Pakistan slams discriminatory policies on nuke technology

Islamabad: Pakistan on Thursday said that the discriminatory trends and policies involving nuclear technology could have serious implications for its national security and the global non-proliferation regime.

The remarks came just days after American media reported that the US has allocated billions of dollars for monitoring Pakistan's nuclear programme.

A meeting of Pakistan's highest nuclear forum on Thursday reviewed developments at the regional level and reiterated that, as a responsible nuclear weapon state, Pakistan would continue to adhere to the policy of credible minimum deterrence, without entering into an arms race with any other country.

"Pakistan, however, would not remain oblivious to the evolving security dynamics in South Asia and would maintain a full spectrum deterrence capability to deter all forms of aggression," the National Command Authority (NCA) said.

The NCA emphasized that Pakistan will continue to participate constructively in the Nuclear Security Summit (NSS) process.

It added that as a responsible nuclear weapon state with advanced technology and four-decade long experience in safe and secure operation of nuclear power plants, Pakistan is ready to share its expertise with other interested states by providing fuel cycle services under IAEA safeguards.

"Pakistan has the requisite credentials for full access to civil nuclear technology for peaceful purposes to meet its growing energy needs for continued economic growth," the NCA said.